JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The opinions from both public and politicians are divided over the government’s idea to increase the annual funding for political parties to Rp1 trillion as an effort to prevent corrupt practices among politicians.
The idea is voiced by Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, who is also politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party for Struggle (PDI-P).
Vice President Jusuf Kalla, meanwhile, is surprised with the idea and assured that the government has not yet discussed Tjahjo’s idea.
But Lukman Edy of the National Awakening Party (PKB) supported Tjahjo’s idea. Lukman, however, said that the number of political parties must be reduced as the consequences.
Ade Irawan of the Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) said he also agrees that the government should increase the annual funding for political parties but not to reach that of Rp1 trillion. Ade also concerned about the transparency over the use of said party funding.
While Ucok Sky Khadafy from the Center for Budgeting Analysis comes with bold criticism. Ucok shared his worry that the idea to increase annual funding for political parties would only benefit party’s elites instead of strengthening the country’s democracy. (haryantosuharman@yosefardi.com)